Inkjet Photo Transfer to Wood with Mod Podge

Did you know you can transfer INKJET printed images onto wood? Yes . . . this inkjet photo transfer to wood is easy with Mod Podge and regular school glue.

Yep, you heard right! You can do an inkjet photo transfer to wood with just Mod Podge. I love transferring images to wood – they make these personalized rustic little pieces that are perfect to just sprinkle around the house or to give as a small personalized gift.

You don't need a laser printer or photo transfer medium either for this tutorial. It's different from the Mod Podge photo transfer medium in that it gives your image a clear background. Interested to see how I did it? Well, read on!

Inkjet Photo Transfer to Wood

Step 1. Sand your wood block – you want the surface to be as smooth as possible for better image transfer.

Step 2. Paint two thin layers of glue onto the shiny side of your stencil sheet. You can use transparency films as well if that is what you have on hand. Once fully dry, print your image onto the glue covered stencil sheet with your printer.

Note: you'll need to reverse the image if you want it to show up the way it is on screen OR if there's text.

Step 3. Allow the printed image to FULLY DRY before proceeding onto this step – paint a layer of Mod Podge onto the wood block and carefully lay your image on top. Using the stencil sheet will allow you to align it much easier with the wood edges. Smooth slightly with your hands.

Step 4. Wait until the Mod Podge is dry on your photo transfer to wood (I let mine dry overnight – 24 hours is recommended). Lightly run the tip of a craft knife onto the sides of the wood before peeling to separate the image from the rest of the glue that dried. Peel carefully, again making sure your image is fully dry or it won't transfer perfectly.

Step 5. Stain the sides and the back of the wood block and let that dry and you're done!

This simple tutorial photo transfer to wood does take time, but it gives fantastic image transfer results without the hassle of wetting the image and rubbing the paper off. The stencil sheet can also be used again!

What image would you transfer? Have fun crafting and don't forget to follow me on social media or my blog for more ideas, freebies and tutorials!

Comments

This is such a great idea. Thank you for sharing this one. But there are a few things that I am not clear about…..

In Step 3, do we need to *press* the image flat, or use a roller, brayer, or even our hands or anything like that? How do you ensure that the entire image is making contact with the Mod Podged surface?

Step 4: I guess I just don’t understand at all. Can you post a photo of what you mean by running a craft knife “onto the sides of the wood” means? I must be slow, but I am not getting this concept.

Hi Lyone! Step 3 yes just smooth out with your hands a little bit. And for Step 4, you’ll just take your craft knife and run it right along where the page attaches to the wood block if there is dried glue there keeping you from pulling the sheet up. You might not need a craft knife, but you’ll know if you do the project if you need something to help you release the sheet. You can probably use another household tool as well 😀

Hi. I really like the idea of this… Stupid question… I assume we print onto the glued side side of the stencil paper, but does the image need to be reversed? I’m guessing yes, similar to the paper transfer methods. It looks like it would leave better image than paper does.

Is this the stencil film I would need for the project ?
ORAMASK 811 Stencil Film 1

White dyed stencil film (special PVC, 80 micron)
Matte finish, Opaque
For all paint and spray techniques on smooth, flat surfaces
Due to its high degree of stiffness especially suitable for large formats
Great for creating painted signs
Polyacrylate, Removable
Developed for use in stencil applications that require a more rigid film. Best for use with etching and painted backgrounds, as you paint will be not be pulled up!. Oramask 811 has a clear, low tack and water soluble adhesive. Best for use with water based and latex paints.

Hi Bette! You are Mod Podging the image then placing it face down on the block while still wet – when it dries, the image will transfer to the block and you can peel it up and leave the image behind. The stencil sheet is slick, enabling the sheet to be peeled up and leaving the image behind on the wood block.

Hi Marcie! I think you are definitely taking a risk putting paper painted with glue into any machine, but . . . I’ve never seen it “not” work. The glue just has to be dry enough and it won’t clog up or ruin your machine.